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Utah House approves Dixie State’s move to university status amid debate over the name 'Dixie'
Summary
The Utah House on Feb. 13, 2013 approved Second Substitute House Bill 61 to grant Dixie State College university status, passing 68–6. Lawmakers debated whether the word “Dixie” carries racial connotations for some residents while supporters emphasized local heritage and economic benefits.
The Utah House on Feb. 13 voted 68–6 to approve Second Substitute House Bill 61, redesignating Dixie State College as Dixie State University and transmitting the measure to the Senate for enrollment.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Kent (Representative Ipsen), told members the college met regents’ benchmarks and had prepared to expand to university status, arguing the change would support regional economic development and retain tuition dollars in southern Utah. Ipsen cited local survey results as part of his floor remarks.
Why it matters: Supporters said university status will help the institution recruit and retain students, expand academic offerings and drive economic growth in Southern Utah. Opponents and some members from outside the region urged sensitivity to the name "Dixie," which some residents associate with slavery and the Confederacy.
Representative Romero opposed the bill on the floor, saying, “For some, the term Dixie may be about regional culture and tradition, but for others, it invokes a negative association with racism and slavery.” He urged the institution to use the status change as an opportunity to address the name.
Supporters rebutted that local residents and stakeholders view the name as part of regional heritage. Representative Ipsen pointed to local engagement activities and survey data during debate, saying roughly 83% of people surveyed in the community — including faculty, students, alumni and residents — expressed support for keeping the name. Ipsen also invited skeptical colleagues to visit Southern Utah to understand local perspectives.
Several members who otherwise supported the university status signaled discomfort with the name. Representative Wheatley said she favored the institution’s elevation but would oppose the measure because of concerns over the term’s connotations.
The procedural outcome: After floor debate and the recorded vote, the House clerk announced the bill had received 68 yes votes and 6 no votes. Later communications indicated the Senate had already passed its version and the enrolled bill was being returned to the House for the speaker’s signature and enrolling staff actions.
Next steps: The House transmitted the approved bill to the Senate for signature and enrollment; further administrative steps were recorded for enrolling the measure.
